SP interview with Owen Jones: It's to get over my mid-life crisis
Oct 21, 2004 14: 22 EST
Sun has arrived Antarctica and the ice of Gondwanaland is sparkling with diamond dust. The blue, purple, red and green shimmer will soon struck the lucky few 2004 South Pole explorers with awe.
But they don't really care at this point. The to-do lists are endless while the flight to Southern Chile won't wait.
From New York City, team ExplorersWeb is ready to follow their tracks on the frozen continent. One of our editors, who never set her own foot on the ice (the rest of us were too involved), made a fresh five-question mini-interview and sent out to the Antarctic explorers.
Third up is Owen Jones:
1. - First of all, let’s be honest, guys. Polar expeditions are beyond suffering. Plus, media don't know much about hem. You’ll probably come back as unknown as you were before… but thinner and poorer. So … Why on Earth are you going there? WARNING: If you answer ‘Why not?´ or ´Because its there´, this question will be published as ‘Not answered’ -:)
Have wanted to do it since was 19, or maybe younger.
2. - Tell us how you have been training
The usual stuff - tire pulling, hard hiking and gym work. Not too sure about the psychological side - it has certainly been very difficult since I have a wife and family with 4 young children, so that's put me in shape I hope.
3. - What do you fear most about the expedition?
a) Dying
b) Failing
c) Going desperate or loosing your mind before even reaching the middle point.
d) Realizing that the experience doesn’t fill your expectations
e) Coming back to daily life afterwards.
Probably the second, third and fourth in equal measure, but above all getting back and realizing I made a terrible mistake going in the first place.
4. - For those going with no resupplies. In case of emergency, serious lack of fuel or gear damage… Would you ask for a resupply or would you abort the attempt?
(Question not answered, as the team will have one resupply during the journey)
5. - Have you planned this as a once-in-a-life challenge, or is it part of something even bigger (three poles, record breaking, etc.)
Once-in-a-lifetime definitely. It's to get over my mid-life crisis.
Owen Jones, Craig Mathieson, Fiona Taylor, Hannah McKeand, and Denise Martin (leader) will attempt to reach the South Pole skiing from Patriot Hills. They’ll count on a resupply at Thiels mountains.
Image of Owen courtesy of Owen Jones
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